Attenuation Control Circuit for CMOS Image Sensor ADC
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-resolution, high-speed CMOS image sensors face performance degradation and increased power consumption during analog-to-digital conversion, particularly due to the need to process wide-range input signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device comprising a switch signal generator, an amplifier, and an attenuation control circuit that adjusts capacitor arrangements based on signal levels to control attenuation of pixel and ramp signals, allowing for efficient analog-to-digital conversion without performance deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-resolution, high-speed analog-to-digital conversion is performed, then image quality and processing speed are improved, but power consumption increases and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic attenuation control by switching capacitor arrangements based on signal levels. The attenuation control circuit dynamically adjusts the capacitor configuration in response to switch control signals, enabling the system to adapt its attenuation characteristics in real-time during analog-to-digital conversion, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attenuation parameter by reconfiguring capacitor arrangements. By switching between different capacitor configurations (first arrangement and second arrangement) based on signal levels, the system modifies the attenuation parameter to match the input signal characteristics, reducing power consumption for high-resolution, high-speed conversion without performance degradation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wide-range input signals are processed, then signal coverage is improved, but performance deterioration occurs due to insufficient attenuation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic attenuation control by switching capacitor arrangements based on signal levels. The attenuation control circuit dynamically adjusts the capacitor configuration in response to switch control signals, enabling the system to adapt its attenuation characteristics in real-time during analog-to-digital conversion, thereby optimizing power consumption while maintaining processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attenuation parameter by reconfiguring capacitor arrangements. By switching between different capacitor configurations (first arrangement and second arrangement) based on signal levels, the system modifies the attenuation parameter to match the input signal characteristics, reducing power consumption for high-resolution, high-speed conversion without performance degradation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient analog-to-digital conversion of wide-range input signals while reducing power consumption and maintaining performance, optimizing signal processing across varying signal levels.
Implementation Method 1
A pixel array included in a related art CMOS image sensor includes a photoelectric conversion element in each pixel. The photoelectric conversion element generates an electrical signal varying with the quantity of incident light
Implementation Method 2
The attenuation control circuit adjusts an arrangement of capacitors according to the switch control signals to control whether to attenuate each of the pixel signal and the ramp signal
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device includes a switch signal generator, an amplifier, a ramp generator, and an attenuation control circuit. The switch signal generator generates switch control signals based on a level of an image signal that corresponds to a pixel signal output from a pixel. The amplifier includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal. The ramp generator generates a ramp signal. The attenuation control circuit adjusts an arrangement of capacitors according to the switch control signals to control whether to attenuate each of the pixel signal and the ramp signal, and transmits signals generated as a result of the adjusted arrangement to the first input terminal and the second input terminal.